While Mary Sleeps

An expanded version of the original. Oil on canvas, 2009.

"For a few moments, Mary -- mother of Jesus, daughter of God -- rest. I will lay aside my preparations for the day and comfort the infant son of God. For a while longer in the beauty of the early day we will enjoy our time together, the Babe of Bethlehem and me. For a while, Mary, sleep."

New Painting: Orcs in My Forest!

Quelthias reacts as he and his dwarf companion, Brudrunis, discover orc footprints near the river that borders the sacred elven wood. From a story by Lindsay Yocum. Oil on canvas, 30x40".

Morning Note to My Wife, 18 Feb 2010

Beautiful Mom:

Thank you so much for doing so much good for so many people. Thank you for bearing with all of us in our weaknesses. Your patience and endurance has helped us reflect on and see our own shortcomings and weak points and given us the desire to do better.

I love you. I pray that, even in this busy day, you find peace and joy. There are many whom you deal with each day that are grateful they get to know you.

I love you.

-Les

To My Wife on Valentines Day

To my gorgeous wife
whose breathtaking thoughtfulness
and endless labors for all of us
are the foundation of our family
here and in eternity
I thank you
I love you
I appreciate you
God bless you

Will you be my valentine
now and forever?

- Your husband

Norman Rockell Behind the Camera

I just got a copy of "Norman Rockwell, Behind the Camera", reviewed in James Gurney's blog here. Folks, this is a must-have book. Great reference, great inspiration, great learning tool. As a practicing illustrator, it will be something I return to again and again. As an appreciator of Rockwell's adept views of American idealism, this book is like coming home to a warm fire on a cold day. Recommended.

Rose Datoc Dall's "Flight"

Great congratulations to Rose Datoc Dall, whose excellent painting, "Flight", made the cover of the December 2009 Ensign of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also won one of a handful of purchase awards during the church's Eighth International Art Competition. Her work can be seen on the magazine cover or on the Museum's review presentation as well as on her blog. Not only is she a superb colorist, her works are prisms of light and storytelling, uplifting and positive. Congratulations again!

Daughter of Doris

During my free time at Illuxcon, inspired by an amazing joint sculpture demo by Jordu Schell and Tom Kuebler, I decided to update my reference for Doris. This maquette is made from Sculpey and is 8 inches high.

This will form the basis of a new painting of Doris, one I concepted at James Gurney's Creature Design Workshop but never finished to my satisfaction. Jim's class continues to bear fruit. And needless to say, Illuxcon is awesome.